And the former Manchester United defender admitted that after Saturday's defeat at Blackburn he would put out a full-strength side in tomorrow's Carling Cup clash with Norwich as it "is a competition that we need to do well in for obvious reasons."

Burley was continuing to be linked with a switch to the Midlands yesterday - either to St Andrew's or Aston Villa, where David O'Leary is also struggling - as well as the vacant Ireland manager's job.

Yesterday he emphasised his achievement of leading the Edinburgh club to the top of the Scottish Premier League - and hinted he was ready to go straight back into management.

"I thought I did very well for the club but nothing surprises you in football," said the Scot. "That's life. Who knows what the future holds for me? I left the club in as good a position as it ever has been in."

Scottish champions Rangers have angrily denied claims that Burley had been lined up to become their next manager in place of Alex McLeish.